Blenheim Lodge, Bowness-on-Windermere

Check in: 16:00 (4:00pm) - 21:00 (9:00pm) (no arrivals allowed outside this window)

Check out: 07:00 (7:00am) - 10:00 (10:00am)

History

Blenheim Lodge was built as a gentleman's holiday residence in 1868. Set quietly into Brantfell, a Lakeland fell in the heart of the English Lake District National Park, this peaceful home now serves as a tranquil retreat for bed and breakfast guests. The situation of this historic Windermere Lodge is ideal: most of its rooms are Lake-facing in order to take in the spectacular Lake Windermere and fell views in Bowness-on-Windermere. Where the house faces away from the Lake, pretty and serene countryside views of the woodlands and fields behind the house provide a lovely backdrop.

Bowness-on-Windermere is a very old settlement that is located on the shores of Lake Windermere. This bustling village now boasts one of the most popular attractions in the Lakes: cruises on Lake Windermere. Much of the old historic character of this village may still be seen in its buildings, many of which were built during Victorian times.

Blenheim Lodge is, of course, a mid-nineteenth century building. In its heyday, it would have been one of the grandest holiday homes in Bowness-on-Windermere, situated as it is at the top of Brantfell with far reaching views of Lake Windermere to the Claife Heights mountains and the Langdale Pikes, amongst the many other fells that can be seen from its windows. Blenheim Lodge still boasts some of the most amazing views to be seen from guest accommodation available in the Windermere area. Indeed, it is only one of a couple of handfuls of Bed and Breakfast providers that offer peace and quiet, coupled with fantastic Lake and fell views, whilst simultaneously being located within a short 5-minute walk to Lake Windermere and the attractions and amenities of Bowness-on-Windermere village centre.

The current keepers of Blenheim Lodge are proud of its historic past and, whilst refurbishing and modernising this grand old lady, have also endeavoured to retain much of its olde worlde quirkiness and original Victorian charm. For example, Laura Ashley fabrics and colours have been used extensively in the guest house, and many of the guest rooms are furnished with antique pieces of furniture, including romantic Louis XV beds and William IV four-posters.

Food & beverage

UPDATE: As per government guidelines, breakfast will temporarily be a simpler 'Breakfast-to-Go' option rather than being served in the dining room. In order to reduce physical contact for the safety of everyone, breakfast will be delivered in bags that will be left outside the door of your guest room. 

Breakfast is served Monday to Friday 8.30am - 9.00am and Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 9.15am and guests are invited to come into the dining room anytime between those parameters and take as much time over breakfast as they wish. There is a breakfast menu from which guests are requested to make their choices the day before.

Breakfast choices include a full English with both meat and vegetarian options. There is also a choice of oven-fresh croissants served with muffins. A number of breakfast options are also available.

The B&B takes advantage of quality local produce, including butcher-made sausages and hand-cured and cut bacon. Milk and eggs are delivered fresh from the dairy each morning.

Grounds & Gardens

Nestled peacefully against the National Trust's extensive fields and woodlands, Blenheim Lodge is quite literally a 1-minute stroll from The Dales Way Footpath in Bowness-on-Windermere. This is a long-distance footpath, but guests may walk as little or as much of it as they like. Although the property does not have its own gardens it backs onto acres of National Trust parkland, so there is no road or traffic behind the house.

There are 4 easily manageable viewpoints with panoramic and even 360-degree views: Post Knott; Biskey Howe; School Knott; and Brantfell. The last is the summit of the fell that Blenheim Lodge nestles into, also known by the same name. The acres that form the backdrop to Blenheim Lodge Guest House also offer many more footpaths to explore. Look carefully and walkers may also find wild deer and other small wildlife in the woodlands. One guest saw new-born lambs being cleaned by its dam. Another saw deer standing before a setting sun on the horizon.

There are numerous walks and fells close to Blenheim Lodge, with some accessible on foot and by boat, the latter of which may be boarded just 5 minutes' walk from this Bed and Breakfast. Some of these beautiful landscapes include High Dam with its running beck, the Claife Heights mountains, and a walk that takes one from Ferry House to Wray Castle.

Other facilities

There is a TV lounge in where guests can sit in the large triple bay windows and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or a nice glass of wine while admiring the spectacular lake and mountain views. 

Guests who are travelling by coach or train may leave their luggage in the guest house after check out at 10.00am and pick it up when they are ready to do so.

Two fishing permits for local use are available to guests on a first come first served basis. However, guests would need their own tackle and personal fishing license.

Blenheim Lodge is able to arrange both private and minibus tours, guided walks, angling tuition, and other local activities for guests. If your stay at Blenheim Lodge is for a special occasion, please ask if you would like the guest house to order flowers, champagne or wine, and chocolates for your arrival. 

Do not hesitate to request help if you require it. For instance, it is no trouble at all to order a taxi or even to help arrange airport or rail transfers, make reservations for dinner, or arrange a yacht cruise with lunch or dinner.

A late or early check-in is possible by prior arrangement.